Online applications
All applications for admission to the Victorian Legal Admissions Board must be made via the online portal. Please read the following application types to ensure you choose the correct application.
If you are unsure of which application category you fall under, please contact VLAB for advice before proceeding.
NOTE
It is not acceptable to provide erroneous information or upload dummy documents to get you through to the next stage of the application. If the step you are on requires a document, upload the correct document and then proceed when ready. If you upload dummy or placeholder documents your application will be locked by VLAB.
Further information can be found in the Guide for Applicants for Admission.
Application types
Australian law graduate undertaking a Practical Legal Training Course at a training provider.
Australian law graduate undertaking Supervised Legal Training at a law firm.
New Zealand practitioner eligible to apply for admission under Mutual Recognition legislation.
Graduate who holds an academic qualification in law in a jurisdiction outside Australia and seeks an assessment of their foreign qualifications.
Lawyer who holds an academic qualification in law and has been admitted to practice law in a jurisdiction outside Australia and seeks an assessment of their foreign qualifications and experience.
Additional application types
For the following application types, you must contact the Victorian Legal Admissions Board to commence the application. You will then be asked to complete your application using the client portal.
Foreign graduate or lawyer who has previously obtained an assessment of their foreign qualification from VLAB and undertakes a practical legal training course.
Foreign graduate or lawyer who has previously obtained an assessment of their foreign qualification from VLAB and wishes to undertake supervised legal training.
Applicant seeking declaration that a specific matter or matters disclosed will not adversely affect suitability.
Foreign lawyer who is admitted and eligible to practice as legal practitioner in a jurisdiction outside Australia and seeking admission subject to conditions.
Closed application types
For any queries relating to the following application types please contact VLAB.
Australian legal practitioner wishing to apply for appointment of Public Notary.
Consent
BY ACCESSING THE PORTAL AND COMMENCING AN APPLICATION YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
I confirm that I am authorised to provide the personal details presented and I consent to my information being checked with the document issuer or official record holder via 3rd party systems for the purpose of confirming my identity.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT COMMENCE AN APPLICATION AND CONTACT US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be admitted in Victoria if I have been admitted in another State?
Once you have been admitted in any state in or Territory in Australia, it is not necessary to be admitted again in another state or Territory.
If you wish to practise in Victoria, you are required to hold a Victorian practising certificate. This is issued and managed by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner.
Further information can be found on the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner website (External link) (External link).
Where do I get a Practising Certificate?
VLAB is the admitting authority only. Once you have been admitted by VLAB, you will need to apply for a practising certificate.
All queries relating to practising certificates in Victoria should be directed to the Victorian Legal Services Board. Further information can be found on their website here (External link).
How can I apply for Admission?
All applications for admission must be made on the VLAB website via the VLAB online application portal available here (External link).
If you are unsure of which application category you fall under please email vlab@justice.vic.gov.au (External link) for advice before proceeding.
The online application portal will assist you to:
- make application for a compliance certificate;
- save and edit your application as often as you wish;
- guide you through the requirements of the admission process;
- view the status of your application; and
- receive emails about the progress of your application.
When should I commence an application for a compliance certificate?
It is recommended that you commence your application a minimum of 3 months prior to your intended admission date.
How do I become a conveyancer in Victoria?
You will need to contact the Business Licensing Authority. More information can be found on their website (External link).
I want to apply to the New York Bar and need a letter, what do I need to provide you with?
You are required to email us at overseas@justice.vic.gov.au (External link).
You will need to provide us with an official transcript (direct from the University or a certified copy) along with your BOLE ID.
We will then send a letter directly to the New York State Board of Law Examiners.
Will I need someone to move my admission?
You will be required to brief an Australian lawyer to move your admission and they should be in possession of a photocopy of your Compliance Certificate.
Admission may be moved by an Australian Lawyer whose name is on the Roll of the Supreme Court of any State or Territory of Australia. It is not necessary that a current practising certificate be held.
Current members of the judiciary (i.e., judges and magistrates) may not move an admission. It is your responsibility to find someone to move your admission.